Gantey Trek

Highlights

The Gangtey trek is one of the easiest and one of the finest low-altitude treks in Bhutan. It starts from Phobjikha valley at 3000m and ends in Tiki Zampa (Wanduephodrang). The Phobjikha valley is a glacial valley and is the winter home of the black necked cranes.The valley is a designated for conservation and borders Black Mountain National Park. En route we will be visiting the villages of Gogona and Khotoka through the fields and forests of Juniper, magnolia and rhododendron. Cost Cost depends on the group size. Contact us for details. Costs will include ground transportation to and from Paro airport, transportation and entrance fees to all listed activities, entry fees, all meals, accommodations.

Itinerary Day 1 Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by our guide at the Paro International Airport and escorted to your hotel for refreshment.

Day 2 Paro – Thimphu: Morning drive to Drukgyal Dzong. From here, the peak of Jhomolhari can be seen on a clear day (24,029 ft). On the way back, you will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Visit Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro Valley and houses the District Administration office and the monk body. It was built in 1645 AD. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum. This was the Watch Tower of the Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Tea at the hotel and drive to Thimphu.Overnight in hotel.

Day 3 Thimphu.Morning visit to the Memorial Chorten. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot. It is the main Secretariat building. Evening to stroll freely in the town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 Thimphu – Gangtey. Drive to Gangtey, which is 55 miles from Thimphu. On the way, stop at Dochu-la Pass (10,000 ft) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Also visit Punakha the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu, which means “male and female“. Gangtey is a beautiful place surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the distance with a landscape of rolling hills and green meadows. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 5 Gangtey – Gogona. Begin the Gangtey Trek. Riding ponies can be provided if required. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes us through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele-la pass (10,900 ft). Overnight at camp.Altitude 9,800 ft; Distance 6 miles; Time 5-6 hours.

Day 7 Khotokha – Chuzomsa. A short ascent will bring you to the Tashi-la pass (9,100 ft). You can walk through an ever-changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu. (Chu means River). Overnight at camp.

Day 8 Chuzomsa – Paro. Walk from Chuzomsa to the motor road, about 45 minutes. Drive to Paro (46 miles). Lunch on the way in Thimphu.Overnight in hotel.

Day 9 Paro. Drive up to Satsam Chorten (6 miles from Paro town) and walk to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 3000 ft and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world and it has 13 holy places. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10 Paro. Early morning drive to Paro international airport after breakfast.